'Our target is to repeat Arsenal rout'

Liverpool's objective for what remains of the current campaign must be to replicate their relentless dissection of Arsenal last month, insists midfielder Joe Allen.

History unfolded on February 8, as a stunning display of passing, creativity, invention and finishing - all produced at an incredibly high tempo - brushed aside the Gunners in a 5-1 victory.

That occasion at Anfield was the high point of a season filled with performances which have embodied the ruthlessness that Brendan Rodgers demands from his team.

Such displays have pushed the Reds into second place in the Barclays Premier League standings and Allen believes that the challenge is to repeat those feats in their final 10 fixtures.

The Welshman told the official Liverpool FC magazine: "I don't think I've seen a better performance in 20 minutes of football from the first whistle. Our target now is to make sure we do that in every game.

"Obviously it's difficult to play to that level all the time, but that's our dream and what we're aiming to do. How clinical we were with the ball and how many chances we created was one thing.

"But with Arsenal being such a great footballing team as well, the way we stopped them playing and won the ball back and pressed them hard was equally as pleasing."

Rodgers' vision upon arrival at Anfield in June 2012 was for a side that played a style founded on possession, passing teams into submission en route to three points.

That philosophy has evolved during the 21 months that have followed, with high-energy pressing in the opposition third and the incredible pace in attack becoming key facets.

"From the manager's point of view, a lot of people talk about the passing game that we like to employ with the ball at our feet," Allen said.

"But certainly from the work that we put in day in, day out, it's also about when we haven't got the ball. I think that was one of the biggest things the manager talked about when he took over the club, and that's a way of playing that I've been brought up with.

"You can obviously see the benefits of it when you get it right - such as the game against Arsenal at Anfield. It was similar to the derby in that we really took the game to Everton from the kick-off.

"That's probably the best way to approach any match - to have an aggressive stance from start to finish. Some people might argue against that and be happy to shut up shop at 1-0 or 2-0.

"But I feel that if you try to do that, you're always giving the opposition a chance to get back in the contest. With teams like Arsenal, for example, you don't want to give them any opportunity to do that. In many ways, that was why it was such a perfect display."

Another crucial factor of Rodgers' tenure to date has been the Northern Irishman's record of developing young players and gleaning the best out of every individual.

Jordan Henderson has progressed into a midfielder brimming with confidence, Raheem Sterling was recently described as the finest winger in the league and Daniel Sturridge cannot stop scoring.

Allen reflected: "If you look at the way players have developed in the last 18 months here, it's great to see and as a young player it gives you a massive confidence boost to know that you'll play.

"I know it can be difficult at other clubs, but it certainly breeds optimism into you and helps you make that step up into being a regular in the first team. I'm not surprised at the advances that have been made.

"As players, you are always confident that you can achieve the things you set out to do. You have to be. There are so many games throughout the season that there are always going to be setbacks along the way.

"But I think if you ask any player here, we all have 100 per cent faith in each other and in the staff behind us to achieve some great things. We are certainly here to bring success back to this club."

Last seasons' league position was not a direct reflection of the talent on show. BR was implementing his ideas, and it would appear we are now reaping the rewards for that. Same could be said of Man Utd this season, except with Moyes they've taken a step backwards, whereas the appointment of BR was clearly a step in the right direction!